Thursday 18 August 2011

The Matchday Insight : Week 2


After a quiet start to the new season, I'm sure most of us did expect fireworks from the word GO but were disappointed to see some goalless draws or 1-1 etc. Apart from the display we saw from Manchester City and some fine show put on by Kun Aguero, it did make up for the quiet weekend.
Most of us did bank on Manchester United (especially after their match against City in the Community Shield), Chelsea (Always good starters), Liverpool (All great new signings) but we not rewarded as there were only 5 goals in total from their 3 matches. Arsenal have not yet found their footings after losing their key players so I dont see many of you going that direction unless you are a die hard Gunner.
Those of you who saw the City game, mainly the 2nd half, must have realised why they are also real contenders to winning the league. 

So lets concentrate on whats in store for Week 2 :


Easy Match ups:

Everton vs QPR
Chelsea vs WBA
Aston Villa vs Blackburn
Sunderland vs Newcastle
Swansea vs Wigan ( addition ) : could see many goals in this one.

FORWARDS:

Torres (13.96): He was handed the man of the match for his performance against Stoke last week. Many pandits went on to say that he is back in form. This is his best chance to silence his critics and prove his worth. His price is decent and those of you who know his capabilities would know what I'm talking about.

Bent (13.67): After a quiet start to the season we do expect this man to fire in full cylinders. Aston villa have their next 2 games at home and im sure Bent to be among the goals. He is capable for scoring plenty and against a weak blackburn who lost to Wolves last week, he will be an ideal pick.

Aguero (11.03): Those of you who could not or simply forgot to pick him when he was worth 6.55, I must suggest he is worth it even at 11.03. He can take on any defence and has an amazing strike rate. He is a must have in your team and can score plenty of points as we saw last week. He is the pick of the signing this summer and Man City just look so much stronger with him upfront.

Graham or Sinclair (6+): These two from Swansea have a great partnership up front, though couldn't do much against a strong Man City defence. But playing at home against Wigan will bring out the best in them. One of them has a great game in store.  Both around 6 are cheap and if you want to save on some funds for your midfield, why no get one of them.

Holt (6.24): Another cheap option and a true goal scorer. Again, didnt have the best start but you just cant keep this guy quiet.Playing against Stoke ( an improved defence ) but i do expect him do much better from last week.


MIDFIELDERS:

David Silva (10.81): After seeing him play last week, I must admit that this guy is just improving every game you see him play. He was controlling the Man City midfield and with Aguero and Dzeko upfront, Silva will keep feeding the ball all day. Though away to Bolton but does it really matter ?

Arteta (12.58)/ Cahill : After having a rest last week as Spurs vs Everton was called off , Arteta has declared himself fit for the weekend. Playing against a newly promoted side who lost to bolton 4- 0 last week. QPR are low on confidence at the moment and Goodison park is not the best of grounds you want to go to.

Moses (6.46): A good cheap option , a good match up (Swansea) , highest goal scorer amonst EPL teams in preseason are few of many reasons why Moses should come good this week. At 6.46 why think twice?

Larsson (13.64): Sunderland are a different side this year and we saw that at Anfield against a strong liverpool side. Larsson is in the middle of it all and plays an important part in how them play. A spectacular goal last week and im sure there is much more to come.

Premium Midfielder (C. Adam / Young / Lampard): With all the economical picks we have suggested you, I'm sure there must be lots of funds in the bank to splash on a high value midfielder. Yes, its tempting to have one or else you do feel your team is weak even if it isn't. Lampard has a easy match up, Young is in form and will keep pushing to the oppositions D, Adam controls the Liverpool midfield like what Gerrard does. We would go with Lampard.

Note: Some names do not feature above but are solid in midfield such as Jarvis, Formica, Eagles,  Hoolahan, Taarabt could be looked at.

DEFENDERS:

Baines (17.41): Most expensive defender in fantasy terms and we know why and playing against QPR at home. If you do have that kind of funds to throw. This could be it.

Any Chelsea defender : We dont see Chelsea conceeding a goal at home against WBA , it should be worth a gamble to get any of defenders they have. Starters could be Terry, Cole, Alex, Bosingwa.

Richards (9.64): Those of you who got him when he was around 7 would feel good about your self after seeing his game last week. He is a good pick and apart from clean sheets he ends up either assisting or scoring the odd goal. Unlike other City players he is cautious and not bound to get a yellow card so easily.

Cheap options: Gibbs, Wes Brown, Woodgate, Smalling, Fabio. All thsese guys are good for their value. Gibbs, Brown and Fabio are lesser than 4 and the rest around the 6 mark. Pick of them will be Woodgate or Smalling ( specially with Rio injured )


KEEPERS:

Given: Given was value for money in the first week and is bound to carry the form in this coming week. His talent is well known and you can expect him to get u a decent amount of points for this matchday against a weak blackurn attack.

Cech: The Chelsea stopper started off with a clean sheet in his first match like many others. The only downside is that he rarely gets any saves under his belt as chelsea defenders do much of the defending and he depends on clean sheets for his points. Dont expect him to cross the 18 or 20 points mark but is viable to get you atleast around 12-14 points.
Looks like Chelsea will either be going with Hilario or Turnbull after Cechs injury that would keep him out for a month. Doesn't change much and whoever is opted for(more likely to be Hilario) will have a good week.

Howard: A decently priced option against a low on confidence team. QPR got thumped at home and now face a tough away trip to Goodison park. See Howard to be around the points during this week.

1 comment: